Did you know that not all evidence the prosecution has against you may be permissible in court? Some of it might be inadmissible, despite its weight to your case, meaning it will not be used to determine your guilt if you go on trial.
Evidence is often deemed inadmissible due to legal violations, lack of relevance or if it is unfairly prejudicial and could unduly influence the jury to reach an impartial verdict. For instance, if the police obtained evidence through an unlawful search or seizure or made mistakes that interfered with its integrity, such evidence may not be admissible in court.
You can seek to suppress inadmissible evidence
As the defendant in a criminal case, you can challenge the admissibility of evidence through a motion to suppress. This motion is usually filed before trial, aiming to exclude certain evidence on legal grounds.
Once filed, the judge will conduct a hearing to determine the evidence’s admissibility. If it’s proven that the evidence was obtained unlawfully or violates your constitutional rights, the court may deem it inadmissible, prohibiting its use during trial.
What it could mean to your case
Excluding evidence can significantly impact the outcome of your case, depending on its importance to the prosecution’s argument. The exclusion of key evidence might weaken the prosecution’s case against you or eliminate potentially incriminating aspects. It could see your charges reduced or even dismissed, given that the prosecution is unlikely to proceed to trial with a weak case.
Legal guidance is instrumental when assessing the legality of evidence, filing motions to suppress and arguing in court to exclude inadmissible evidence. It can help you build a solid defense strategy that will increase the odds of a favorable outcome while safeguarding your rights.